The Battle of The Exams: Esmes Montoya Edition

(Esmes Montoya's POV)

Class 3-A, Present Day.

When I first looked about Cerulean Academy and the Entrance Exams, I heard nothing else but how unbearably difficult the test supposedly was.

As such, even I had my own reservations.

So in preparation for this day, I studied and trained even harder than usual.

However after confronting this test myself, I have reached a single conclusion.

"Yawn…"

This test is beyond mediocre.

With every question I answered on the screen, I couldn't help but yawn out of sheer boredom.

Where was the challenge? Where is this so-called "difficulty'' that everyone was complaining about?

I sure as hell don't see it.

Math, history, philosophy, it didn't matter what they threw at me, I'd simply dominate it with ease.

Honestly, this generation must be pretty pathetic.

—Either that or I'm simply just that good.

Kukuku~

Still though. There is something about this test in particular that's been bothering me lately.

From what I see, the Entrance Exams are divided into five subjects. "Math", "Science", "Social Studies", and "Language Arts", being the first four.

But the fifth one seemed rather peculiar to me.

"Personality Discernment Test".

As the name suggests, it was, quite literally, a test that tries identifying the nature of who you are.

Questions like "How would you rate yourself as a person?", or "What are your greatest strengths?", and things of that nature were included.

However, clearly this has nothing to do with any educational curriculum or the sort. So how exactly would questions like this even be graded?

When it comes to asking about self, there should be no "right" or "wrong" answer. As such, this, in theory, shouldn't affect my grades in any way.

And yet, despite this, it seems I wasn't allowed to outright skip it either. How strange.

Of course, to accommodate students who didn't wish to divulge such information to the school, there were "N/A" options that we could pick.

However, that option was only given to certain, more extensive questions. The rest, on the other hand, had forced us to answer to some degree.

–Oh, I think I get it now.

Perhaps in hopes of putting together a database for each and every student here, this was but a means to gather information on us.

If that's truly the case, then—

—I'll give them exactly what they need to know.

Kukukuku~

Suddenly though, the door to the classroom unlocked and our teacher, Ms. Gwein entered.

And just in time too. The exams should be ending any moment now.

"Alright, everyone, pencils down."

When Ms. Gwein said those words, my computer had suddenly, and abruptly, shut off.

"Uh, Teach?"

A young girl from across the room raised her hand.

"What?"

"My computer died, but I couldn't finish all the way through. Would that ruin my progress?"

Hmm, it seems like I wasn't the only one affected.

"No worries. The computers here automatically saves any changes you make during the course of the exam. That also includes any unfinished answers that were yet to be submitted."

In other words, in the scenario that progress may be lost during an instance like this, the computers will still have backup data that can be viewed and reflected on by the school later.

"Whew…. Thank god."

A sigh of relief escaped the girl's lips.

"—However, during final grading, you may receive half points instead of a whole as penalty."

"Urk…"

Hey, be grateful. Atleast that's better that than having none in the first place.

"In any case, if that is all, you all are now free to go. Please gather your things and leave in an orderly fashion. The next train home will be arriving shortly. Make sure you leave nothing behind either."

Now that the test had concluded, the sounds of students sighing in relief had echoed loudly across the room.

After taking a look around, I noticed the various expressions each of the students here had.

Like the girl from before, there were many who felt quite uneasy about the results of the test.

Others however seemed to have boasted a certain degree of confidence within themselves.

I, of course, was one of the latter.

There's no question in my mind that I won.

And when I say "won", I don't mean in terms of passing the test in particular. No, I also mean in terms of establishing respect in this school.

You see, it all goes back to the "Personality Discernment Test".

To put simply, the Personality test is, in short, an exam in which forces the student in question to view themselves from a subjective standpoint.

As such, depending on how you answer, portraying a "humble" or "egotistical" impression of yourself is quite easy.

According to the answers I have given at the time, I will no doubt, fall into the latter category.

Of course, even I understand that unfounded ego is nothing more than the absolute height of arrogance.

Because of that, most likely this school will mistake me for that of an utter fool.

However—

—All of that is made void in the face of actual results.

Whether or not the school tries labelling me as a haughty narcissist, they would be unable to deny one of the many "strengths" in which I possess.

That, in particular, being my academic ability.

By simply dominating the test, I, in turn, provides evidence that helps prove I am truly "superior".

As such, through the use of one simple move, gaining respect and rapport within the school system is easily achievable.

Kukuku~

"You seem pleased, Esmes."

As I was lost in thought, a certain friend of mine approached from behind me.

"Indeed I am. You could almost say that the word "victory" is written all across my face."

She chuckled a little.

"But enough about me. What about you, Pyua? How did you do on the test?"

The moment I asked that question though, her expression immediately changed.

"Eh, it could've gone a bit better."

"Was it that difficult?" I asked.

"Surprisingly, so."

"Wow, so even you had a problem with it. Hm, well I suppose when I look at it from a peasant's perspective, I guess I can see the challenge."

"Are you trying to say that I'm just a peasant?"

"Well, that is what you are, correct?"

"—I guess."

"In any case, enough dallying. We must depart."

"Right."

Deflecting the conversation elsewhere, I incited us into leaving the classroom.

But just as we had gathered our things and began leaving, we were suddenly stopped by Ms. Gwein.

"Esmes Montoya, was it?"

"Hmm?"

I stop for a moment and glance to my side.

"Is something the matter, teacher?"

"There is a matter I would like to discuss with you."

I raise my eyebrow and glance at Pyua.

"I'm afraid I'm very busy right now. If this is important, I suggest you talk to my father instead."

Swiftly bidding my farewell, I try leaving again.

"—If your father heard about this, it wouldn't end very well for you or your family."

I stop again.

This time, I turn to face my teacher.

"Excuse me?"

I could be wrong, but to me, those words almost sounded like a threat.

If so, this is something I simply cannot ignore.

"What is this about?"

Ms. Gwein sighs.

"I'll just make this brief", she says.

"—Esmes Montoya, I'm afraid you have been accused of cheating."

I'm sorry, but what?

Surprised, both me and Pyua glanced at each other.

"On whose account?", I ask.

"An anonymous tipper."

"So you won't tell?"

"In exchange for this information, they requested for me to keep their own identity a secret."

Hmph, why am I not surprised?

Either way though, that was smart of them.

If my family caught wind of the perpetrator, they would move in to "silence" them, so to speak.

However—

"If that is the case, who's to say this "source" of yours is trustworthy? In fact, what's stopping me from thinking that this is but a lie on your part?"

"—Nothing, actually."

"What?"

Ms. Gwein gave me an unexpected answer.

"Whether you wish to believe it or not is up to you. However, this does not change the fact that your teacher is accusing you of cheating. And it is your responsibility to disprove that."

"That's true, but given the circumstances, don't you think that is a little unfair?"

"I fail to see why that's a problem."

"Huh?"

"Have you already forgotten? The moment you stepped into this room, no, this very school, you surrended yourself to our unquestionable authority."

Tch, if I recall correctly, that "was" stated in rules...

In that case—

"And if I was to take this up with management?"

"Feel free. But you'll be fighting a losing battle."

Even after everything I said, Gwein showed no signs of weakness. As expected of a Practitioner.

But even still, I refuse to go down this easily.

"That's enough, Esmes."

Suddenly, Pyua grabbed my shoulder.

"It's clear that we have no grounds to refuse. So let's just do what she says, okay?"

"Hmph, if you say so…"

Gwein chuckled.

"Your friend here has a good head on her shoulders."

"Fine, so where do we start?"

"Good question. Well, for starters, I would like to take a look inside your bag, if you don't mind."

"I do mind, but I suppose I have no other choice."

Reluctantly, I handed over my purse.

It was then, Gwein searched inside.

Of course, watching her do that right in front of my eyes made me feel quite uncomfortable.

On the other hand, I should be thankful that the person doing this was a woman.

I don't know how I would feel if some no good man was prying into my personal belongings.

Either way though, there is nothing I need to really be worried about.

That's right, I'm sure this whole accusation is nothing more than some foolish attempt to stop me.

All I have to do is simply be patient and soon this misunderstanding will be made clear.

"I see. So what they said was—"

A few moments later, Gwein mumbled that aloud.

"Looks like there was no problem right? Now, if you don't mind, I will be taking my leave."

As I said that, I snatched back my purse.

"Hmph."

Good, now that has been settled....

"—Esmes Montoya, I'm hereby revoking your grade."

I stop yet again.

"You're seriously trying my patience, you know that?"

"Heh."

Sigh.

"Fine, I'll indulge you."

I turn around and walk back towards Gwein.

"On what grounds do you deny me?"

"This."

She hands me a couple of papers.

"Hmm?"

Curious, I glance over them.

—!?

My eyes widened in horror.

Cheat sheets!?

B—But that's impossible!!

These papers certainly didn't belong to me, so....

"Well then? How do you explain this?" Gwein asked.

This isn't a game I can entertain anymore.

I better come up with a damn good excuse....

"Ms. Gwein, I'm sure all of this is just one big misunderstanding. If you can just give us some more time, I'm sure that we can—"

"—The anonymous tipper", I said.

Gwein glances at me.

There was hardly a change in her expression, but although it was subtle, she did react.

In that case, there was no more doubt in my mind. It has to be them, certainly.

But the problem is, I still have no clue who this anonymous person was.

More importantly, I need to figure out how these papers got inside my purse in the first place.

If I recall correctly, I don't remember ever leaving my bag out in the open. So there shouldn't have been a moment when somebody was able to tamper with my bag without getting spotted...

Exposure, huh—

—Wait a minute.

"That boy from earlier!"

Her eyes widened in realization.

"....I knew I shouldn't have picked up those papers."

I glance at Pyua.

"What papers?"

"Something felt off in the way he was trying to help me clean up that mess. I think that must have been when he was able to do it."

So he took advantage of the chaos to slip a bomb on me, huh. Damn it!

"And yet, despite that, you still chose to put those damn papers in my bag!?"

"I know, I know! I apologize! It's just that we were in a rush and I didn't want us to be late."

I mean, I know I was the one who was rushing to get to class on time, but still....

Tch, that damn bastard!

Gwein narrowed her eyes at Pyua.

"From the sounds of it, it seems the two of you had a slip and fall accident with a certain someone. But in that case, who's to say you weren't the one that set her up?"

"She wouldn't dare."

As I replied that, I gave her a harsh look of my own.

"—If you say so."

Finally, for once in this argument, I managed to drive her back.

"However, if we were to assume this person really was the culprit, what exactly would be their motive?"

Motive?

After reviewing the current situation, it should be pretty obvious.

"To cut down the competition."

"—I see."

"So will that story suffice?"

"No."

"And why not?"

"All you did was tell me a simple story. But it doesn't change the fact that these papers were in your bag. So unless you have solid proof to prove that these doesn't belong to you, I have no other choice but to pin the crime on to you."

"Devil's proof, huh."

"Something like that."

"Damn it."

Was this what the anonymous tipper was hoping for?

"It seems you finally understand."

I clench my hands out of anger.

"With that said, get out of my classroom."

"You can't be serious!"

I couldn't think of what else to say.

"Stop, Esmes. Let's not get into any more trouble than we already have…"

Perhaps sensing the sheer animosity coming from me, Pyua tried reeling me back in to retreat.

Even still, I didn't want to walk away. Not after when I had everything planned out…

However, I suppose there are times when one must walk away from a fight.

"Tch, make no mistake, teacher. I'll be back."

Unable to do anything else but accept my defeat, I took Pyua with me and walked outside.

* * * * * * * * * *

Wham!

As soon as we stepped outside, I punched the wall.

"Come on, Esmes. I know you're mad, but if you keep doing this, we'll just draw attention."

It's true.

With all of the students starting to leave their classrooms, a small crowd was starting to gather.

But even still, does that really mean I should just bottle up all my anger until I get home?

Gah, this is all so fucking annoying!

Suddenly though, in the corner of my eye, I noticed a certain boy walking past us.

"....Wait, is that—?" Pyua mumbled aloud.

No doubt about it.

It was that bastard from earlier.

This time, he wasn't alone either. Two girls and one boy were also accompanying him.

At first though, both parties, me and him, had passed by each other without exchanging a word.

However—

"—It was you, wasn't it?"

"Excuse me?"

"You're the anonymous tipper, aren't you?"

The four of them exchanged glances with each other.

"I'm sorry, but do I know you?", the boy asked.

Is this guy seriously trying to play dumb?

I couldn't help but bawl my fist out of anger.

"Don't screw with me!!"

I throw my fist at him.

Smack!

"—!?"

"Esmes!?"

W—what...

What just happened to me?

Before I realized what had happened, he deflected my attack, while punching my face.

It was enough to almost knock me unconscious.

Startled, I fell towards the ground.

"I don't know who you are, but please—"

"—Don't touch me."

Once he said that, the the four of them left.

This time though, I was unable to stop them.

My jaw hurts...

I rubbed the corner of my lips.

My fingers were tainted with blood.

Tch.

"—Don't think this is over yet, peasant! Mark my words, I will be back for you!!"